Demolition underway

THE DEMOLITION of Gloucester's Grandstand began yesterday - paving the way for the new development at Kingsholm.

The original stand, that was opened in 1932, is being replaced by more than 6,000 seats ahead of next season that will take Kingsholm's capacity to almost 17,000.

Ken Nottage, Gloucester's managing director told www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk "It is difficult to describe just how significant this development is to Gloucester Rugby and I am pretty sure that I speak for every member of staff at the club - on and off the field.

"I cannot praise highly enough the work that has been accomplished in the last few months to make a project of this size successful.

"We are a club who want to be challenging for the top honours in the game with the hugely exciting squad that is being assembled, and this off-field development will take Gloucester Rugby and Kingsholm to the next level.

"There is an awful lot of work to be accomplished but I am delighted such a great start has been made."

Yesterday, the old ticket office and parts of the Members' Bar were demolished following the soft demolition on Sunday and by the end of the week, demolition on the main Grandstand will have started.

Sean Roberts, Operations Manager, added: "This is a great step forward, work is on schedule and although it sad to see such a famous old structure demolished, Gloucester Rugby is moving towards a bright future - something that everybody at the club wants.

"Over the coming weeks, the Grandstand will go, the site will be cleared and then foundation and ducting work on the new build will begin."

Speaking to GRTV in front of the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, Henry Trinder explained how important the West Country Challenge Cup is going to be for the Cherry and Whites in their preseason preparations.

Speaking to GRTV at preseason training this Tuesday, new signing Willi Heinz gave an update on his recovery from a leg injury and expressed his enjoyment since his arrival in new surroundings with Gloucester Rugby.

Speaking to GRTV after the 22-23 defeat against Bordeaux-Begles which denied Gloucester a place in next season's European Rugby Champions Cup, Nick Wood rued the momentary lapse in concentration which allowed the French side to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

As Gloucester prepare for their 39th game of the season, against Bordeaux-Begles at Sixways on Sunday, David Humphreys told the local media that this week has been all about getting the players mentally and physically ready after a tough game against Connacht last Sunday.

Gloucester Rugby and Scotland scrum half Greig Laidlaw is gearing up for Rugby World Cup with his international teammates, and speaking to the assembled media this week, Laidlaw is excited to be in familiar surroundings at the showcase tournament.

With 50 days to go until Rugby World Cup 2015 gets underway several of the nations that are set to take to the Kingsholm Stadium field during the pool stages were in action in Toronto in Round Three of the Pacific Nations Cup.